Chapter 47 · Yes. Now Use It

"Yes. Now use it."

The wire bit into Carson's shoulder. Blood spread across his shirt as the drone dragged him toward the blade hovering inches from his ribs.

I hated how steady his voice sounded.

I hated how he kept looking at me instead of the knife.

Most of all, I hated that I wanted to believe him.

"If this kills you," I said, "I'm telling everyone you begged."

"Make sure you say it loud."

I slammed my palm against the drone's core.

"Open the channel," I ordered. "Release the anchor. Send the power back to the shield."

The machine answered with a shrill whine.

Then it pulled Carson another foot.

"Ivy," he warned.

"I'm doing it!"

"Not with your head."

His eyes caught mine.

Gray. Sharp. Way too close.

"Use the mark," he said. "It knows your blood."

"My blood isn't yours to command."

"I know." His jaw tightened. "That's why it has to be you."

The wire climbed higher, pressing into his throat.

My pulse kicked hard. "Carson."

"Do it.